A Jihad of Peace

October 1, 2012

(morning)

It's been a delightful morning in Bethlehem. When we walked to the store to buy some supplies, I saw men baking bread over fires out near the street, a man walking a camel, and the shepherd's fields (as in shepherds keeping watch o're their flocks by night, but this was daytime). PLUS, a nice gentlemen offered our Guatemalan pastor (body guard?) 200 camels for me. I can't be sure, but I think that is worth more than the dozen cows offered for me in Uganda. Apparently I get a good exchange rate 'round these parts.

(evening)

Well, it seems I'm falling in love...again.

The Palestinian people here in Bethlehem have captured my heart.

We are wrapping up our first full day here in Bethlehem. The hotel where we are staying is on the mountain where David was first anointed king--you know, where he was tending sheep while his dad and brothers were all back at the house with the prophet. Then, the prophet asked, "are you sure there's nobody else?" and Jesse sent for his youngest son. Well, anyway, this place where I'm typing to you from right now is on that very mountain.

Today was a good day. In our mission team there are people literally from all over the world--South Africa, Zimbabwe, Guatemala, Chicago, and today we were joined by a local man named Jihad who is a refugee as well as three people from the Ukraine.

One quick story--we had worship tonight and while we were worshipping there was a snake. The local man, Jihad, killed it. When Jihad stepped on the snake, the snake coiled up and struck at his foot. Jihad did a little dance trying to get the snake, but ultimately, the snake lost and Jihad won. We were safe. (I'm not sure what kind it was, but it DID coil up, so...rattler? I don't know.) What I love about this story is that Jihad hung back all evening and sat and listened. He was always in the background or right by the door...until the snake showed up. Then he jumped up and was an amazing watchman and protector. His name, Jihad, obviously means "holy war." His mother's family is very prominent, so he identifies himself with her last name, BUT, his dad's last name (his legal last name) is Salaam, which is the Arab equivalent to the Jewish word "Shalom" or "peace." So, after that as I sat and listened to the worship music (which never stopped the whole time the snake came in), I thought, "Hmmm, we were protected by a Holy War of Peace." Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and his war is in fact Holy...but in Him we find safety and never have to fear.

There is indeed a holy war going on in this place, but the only way I believe it will ever be done is if it is fought by the Prince of Peace himself--a Jihad of Peace.